Durham City PlaceLab Commission Opportunity

7 November 2025

Wild Imaginings – Woodland makers project

Commission Opportunity | Durham | £3,800 (inc. VAT)

 

Creativity Works CIC is seeking a creative practitioner or organisation to lead a short-term R&D project exploring imaginative, playful and environmentally focused activities with local families on the land around The Story, Durham and the Mount Oswald neighbourhood.

This commission forms part of Wild Imaginings: Durham City PlaceLab – an initiative that reimagines how green spaces across the city can inspire creativity, play and environmental learning. Wild Imaginings is part of Into The Light, a wider programme exploring how culture can support wellbeing, connection and belonging across County Durham.

Creativity Works CIC is looking for creatives to:

  • Work with families to co-create creative, play-based and nature-connected activities
  • Explore and test ideas for woodland play, den building, biodiversity-inspired art, and outdoor making
  • Gather insights to shape future creative programmes and spaces

Commission details:

  • Fee: £3,800 (inc. VAT) covering all time, materials, and expenses
  • Activity period: February – April 2026 (during the February half term, weekends, and/or Easter holidays 2026)
  • Application deadline: 5pm, 7 December 2025
  • Online briefing: 6pm, 19 November
  • Site visit: 10am, 26 November at The Story, Durham

Creativity Works CIC welcomes proposals from artists, makers, designers, environmental educators and creative collectives experienced in outdoor or family-based engagement.

Commissioning Brief: Wild Imagining – Creative R&D Project

Online briefing session about the Wild Imaginings Commission: Woodland Makers Project

Wild Imaginings – Woodland Makers Project: Site Visit

For questions or to register for the briefing, contact Jane at jane@creativityworks.uk